Predictions: Bilic to inspire another West Ham win at Liverpool

Ian Watson

Joseph J Jones: Backing West Ham to win at Liverpool

Joseph J Jones believes Slaven Bilic will get his beloved West Ham out of trouble – starting with a win at Liverpool this weekend.

Just like last season, our writers will take on a different band or artist by making their Premier League predictions each week, while you can join in the fun using the story comment facility (below) or Your Say forum.

A fortnight ago, Tordy from the Wholls and TEAMtalk’s Matt Briggs both guessed the outcome of five games, but Briggs triumphed by predicting that Liverpool would beat Sunderland 2-0 and that Southampton would triumph 1-0 over Everton.

This weekend, the brilliant Joseph J Jones takes on TEAMtalk editor James Marshment. The Essex-based singer and songwriter has form for guessing scores…

Stream Joseph’s new EP ‘Whisper to a Hurricane’ on Spotify:

Premier League matchday 15

Watford v Everton
Joseph J Jones: 1-2
TT: 1-1

Arsenal v Stoke
Joseph J Jones: 3-0
TT: 2-0

Burnley v Bournemouth
Joseph J Jones: 2-3
TT: 2-1

Hull v Crystal Palace
Joseph J Jones: 0-2
TT: 1-2

Swansea v Sunderland
Joseph J Jones: 0-1
TT: 0-1

Leicester v Man City
Joseph J Jones: 1-2
TT: 1-4

Chelsea v West Brom
Joseph J Jones: 3-1
TT: 2-1

Man U v Tottenham
Joseph J Jones: 1-1
TT: 1-0

Southampton v Middlesbourgh
Joseph J Jones: 2-2
TT: 2-0

Liverpool v West Ham
Joseph J Jones: 1-2
TT: 3-0

 

Five from Joseph J. Jones

How did you come to support your club and what are your favourite memories from your time as a fan?

A: I came to support West Ham by being from a family who come from the east end. My dad has always been a supporter of the club and he took me to my first Upton Park game when I was about seven years old.

I remember the electricity of the crowd, the pain that come with the fans and seeing the young academy legends at that time and remembering how passionately they played. After that I was hooked.

My favourite memory has to be a recent one. I have a huge soft spot for Adrián our GK and we were playing Everton in the FA Cup third-round replay and the match finished 2-2 so it went down to penalties. Every player had taken their pens and had levelled the shootout. Now it was just down the the goalies in a head to head.

adrian-west-ham

Everton’s keeper had become the pantomime villain of the game slowing down the pace in extra time so when he stepped up and his penalty smashed the crossbar and the Hammers erupted. It was just down to Adrián to win the game. He stepped up, ripped off his gloves, looked Joel straight in the eyes and struck a beauty of a penalty in the back of the net.

I was fortunate enough to be in the Bobby Moore lower section and was right next to it when it happened. I’ll never forget that.

 

Who have been your biggest West Ham heroes?

A: My biggest heroes watching the club have to be Di Canio, Tevez, Payet but especially Scotty Parker.

I’ve never seen a man carry a team like he did. He almost literally bled for West Ham. It was a huge shame when some West Ham fans booed him when he started playing under Spurs.

I understand the hatred for Tottenham but Hammers are to quick to forget what someone like Parker has done for the club. He got us out of trouble many times.

scott-parker-west-ham

 

What do you make of the current Hammers team? What are your hopes for the rest of the season.

A. The current team we have, on paper, is unbelievable. The likes of Cresswell, Payet, Antonio, Lanzini, ogbonna… amazing. But there’s a huge confidence issue at the moment and not enough intensity with in our play.

It feels like the squad is throwing in the towel too early at times with too many losses. Last season went above and beyond our expectations but with the move to a soulless stadium with false promises it has just rocked the foundations of our club.

My hopes this season are that we get ourselves out of this mess and that Slav can stop us from being relegated. It’s a sad turn of events but I’m confident Slav can get us out of this mess. He’s the man for us.

Slaven Bilic: Hails West Ham atmosphere

 

Everyone has a soft spot for a another team. Whose yours and why?

I have a soft spot for Bournemouth. I love the story of the underdog rising to glory and Bournemouth really haven’t disappointed in that respect.

I always used to go to Bournemouth when I was a teen to see my mate who was living there. I love the place to be fair so I consider them a bit of a second team because of my love for the area but let’s be honest there’s no such thing as a second team!

Irons all the way but Eddie Howe really is doing a great job with those players. He’ll be a manager of a top side one day, maybe England, maybe even West Ham!

Eddie Howe: Hailed size of Bournemouth achievement

 

What’s going on for you at the moment?

Well at the moment I’ve just finished writing and recording my album under Communion Records which is due for release next year.
Its sounding pretty big and I’m over the moon for people to hear it.

I’m waiting for this year to be over so I can fully delve in to touring and spreading my name around.

Basically I have a busy year ahead of me getting my music out there but you can check out my latest EP ‘Hurricane’ on platforms such as Spotify and iTunes for a taster of what’s to come.